Chapter 596: Ghoul
Wade’s parents were also watching the Tournament broadcast. Before this, they had learned about past Triwizard Tournaments—knowing that the first task was usually relatively simple, with earlier competitions even including written exams. So at first, the Gray couple remained relaxed. They had settled onto the sofa early, Fiona even picking up a half-finished sweater she was knitting, using the broadcast as a quiet backdrop while preparing a Christmas gift for her son.
But the moment the Tournament began, a deafening roar shattered the air, followed by a fiery burst of flame from a monstrous Fire Dragon.
Ferdinand: “….”
Fiona: “….”
They were utterly stunned. Fiona’s knitting needle slipped from her hand, and she swallowed hard, her eyes wide as she saw Wade step out from the entrance. Tears welled instantly in her eyes.
Compared to the massive, snarling beast, the fourteen-year-old boy looked painfully small, fragile, and utterly defenseless.
The couple held their breath, as if even the slightest exhale might disrupt the moment. They dared not speak, gripping each other’s hands tightly, trembling as the Fire Dragon opened its maw and unleashed a searing, furious roar. Flame filled the entire screen in an instant.
Yet moments later, Wade emerged unscathed, passing through the dragon’s fiery breath and entering the Chamber of Secrets. He found the Golden Egg with ease.
The Gray couple hadn’t even fully exhaled when they saw Wade begin ambushing the other competitors.
“What on earth is he doing? He’s already in the lead!” Fiona clenched the sleeve of her sweater, worry etched into her voice.
Ferdinand forced calm into his tone. “He must have his reasons…”
One, two, three—each competitor entering the tunnel fell without resistance.
Fiona stared at the live feed, torn between dread and relief, her fingers digging into her palm as she whispered:
“Alright… alright… just get out of there with the Golden Egg already! The more people come in, the more danger you’re in…”
Ferdinand sighed, placing his broad hand over her tightly clenched fingers, gently prying them open. His own hand was cold and trembling.
“Trust him,” he said. “Wade’s smarter than we are. More cautious. He wouldn’t act without thinking.”
As he spoke, his voice betrayed the same unease he tried to hide.
Then, to their shock, Wade didn’t leave the Chamber of Secrets. Instead, he went deeper, collecting every Golden Egg. He even set up a grotesque Ghoul at the entrance and built a nest-like structure to store the eggs.
Fiona was near panic. Suddenly furious, she shot to her feet and snapped:
“That insolent little brat! Who does he think he is? A guardian dragon? Just wait—when you come back, I’m going to—”
Her voice cut off abruptly as she gasped, clutching her chest. Her face paled.
Several competitors had approached Wade’s location. The FMC broadcast, having abandoned the thrilling Fire Dragon footage, froze the screen on the dim, oppressive Chamber of Secrets.
…
“Ssssssshhhh—”
The web tore open. The once-menacing spider lay charred and lifeless, its eight legs splayed in a grotesque sprawl across the horned floor.
Fleur wrinkled her nose in disgust at the sticky strands. Only when Ryan pulled the figure out did she lean in to inspect.
“It’s Seraphina.” Ryan checked her pulse, drew his wand. “She’s under a Stun Spell. I’ll wake her.”
The others exchanged glances. Now Ilvermorny had two survivors—bad news for their odds.
But then they remembered: there was still Wade Gray ahead. One boy, but with Alchemy that could create endless allies. And Seraphina was strong. One more capable member meant a better chance.
Under the spell’s effect, Seraphina slowly opened her eyes. She blinked, confused, then narrowed her gaze.
“Ryan?”
She looked around. “Did Wade leave with the Golden Egg?”
“No,” Ryan said, helping her to her feet. “He’s still in here. But he’s taken all the eggs. If we want to keep going, we’ll have to find him.”
Seraphina followed the group deeper into the tunnel, silent for a long moment, then finally asked, “Why would he do that?”
“To show off his power?” Asada Chika said calmly. “Some people… aren’t satisfied with just winning the Tournament.”
“Then what does he want?” Amina snapped. “Eliminate everyone else, leave only himself standing—lock in the Champion title early?”
She whipped out a Fire Spell, blasting Kaba mid-ambush from the vines. The boy screamed in pain as flames engulfed him.
“I don’t think so,” Asada Chika said. “The other tunnel’s competitors didn’t face this kind of… ‘filtering.’”
She paused. “Maybe… he’s fighting another battle. One outside the Tournament.”
“What do you mean?” Fleur lifted her chin, looking down at the petite Asada Chika.
“I don’t know,” Asada Chika admitted. “But I feel it.”
Fleur dismissed it. At that moment, a strange, sickly smell filled the air.
The stench of decay hit them—Ghoul rot. Then, from the corner, a hunched, emaciated figure emerged, dragging chains. Its claws scraped harshly against the stone wall.
“Disgusting,” Fleur muttered, raising her wand.
“Stupefy!”
The spell struck the Ghoul in the chest—but it only staggered back, crashing into the wall.
“Grrraaaah!”
The creature lunged forward, snarling.
Digo acted first, slashing his wand in a sharp arc.
“Split-into-Parts Spell!”
A dry, lifeless arm flew off—but the Ghoul barely paused. It kept coming.
Amina roared: “Blazing Flame Spell!”
Ryan shouted: “No—!”
Too late. Crimson fire erupted, engulfing the Ghoul. As flame met rotting flesh, a horrifying hiss erupted—thick black smoke poured forth, carrying the stench of decay. It slammed into the group like a physical blow.
“Gah!” Fleur shrieked, instantly casting a Bubble Head Charm above her head. Amina inhaled sharply, doubled over, retching violently. The others covered their noses and raised their wands.
“Fresh Water Spring!”
“Wind Storm Spell!”
“Disintegration Spell!”
“Obstacle Course!”
Boom!
The burning Ghoul froze—then exploded. Rotting flesh and charred bits flew in all directions, caught in the whirlwind. Water surged through the air, dousing some flames—but also spraying foul, rotting liquid everywhere.
“AAAAAAH!”
They screamed, scrambling back, but not fast enough. Some were splattered.
Seraphina was near tears, her eyes brimming as she stared at Ryan, voice trembling:
“Why… why did you use the Wind Spell? It just made it worse!”
Ryan looked down, guilt in his eyes. “I… I only meant to blow the smell away…”
Amina and Fleur both gagged.
In the Chamber of Secrets ahead, Wade opened his eyes, staring at the entrance in quiet surprise.
A Ghoul. That was all.
And yet… it had clearly thrown them into chaos?
(End of Chapter)
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